I keep telling myself to not get excited about project cars, but it’s somewhat hopeless. You see something just rough enough around the edges and all you can think of is being the guy who brings it back to life. Or, sometimes it’s the originality that gets you, because even a slightly tatty car is more appealing that one that’s been completely restored because there’s still a trace of what was present when it left the assembly line. The 1989 Ford Mustang GT convertible listed here on eBay has these qualities in spades, and it’s made all the more appealing given it’s a model we typically see in modified condition – and this one is bone stock.
The GT is brutally honest, with nary a modification in sight. It has clearly been left to the elements, but not to the point that it has been destroyed and now needs costly restoration. The bumpers have been bumped and the paint has peeled but not so much that you need to immediately commence with a respray. The original GT wheels are faded and could use fresh paint, or you could just throw new rubber on them and call it a day. Even the top, which is usually the single component of a convertible that needs to be replaced, doesn’t look that bad – hell, the back window isn’t even cloudy. The old-school California license plates are a nice touch, too.
The seller points out that this “aero nose” Mustang has lived its whole life in California, and it certainly has that vibe. It looks like a car that spent plenty of time near the beach and was simply driven like any other sun-seeking cruiser. The leather inserts on the seats look aftermarket to me, but then I noticed the whole cabin has a blue/grab color combo, from the door panels to the dash – was this a factory look? Hopefully, a Fox body specialist can clue us in. The dash appears to be in good shape as does the steering wheel, certainly better than the outside would suggest. It does sport the optional automatic transmission, which the seller confirms functions perfectly.
The 5.0L V8 and its 225 horses look a bit tired, and the seller notes that due to several years of inactivity, the fuel system will likely need reconditioning. The rear windows don’t work but the top does; also, there is no door key, which we assume to mean there is an ignition key. Overall, for an unmodified car with some cosmetic and mechanical sorting to be a driver, this Fox body project looks like a worthy platform to gently restore and bring back to reliable running condition. The color is also a bonus, as many of these GT convertibles are red or black. The seller is asking $7,500 or best offer, which seems fair to us.
Not bad. It pretty much looks like what it is: a 1989 GT convertible which has had some work (e.g., a repaint), but otherwise looks like it indeed has 139,000 miles. As Jeff says, it doesn’t look abused or modified. It’s not particularly expensive. Overall, a desirable car. It might be a good Fox to spend some time/money on to bring it up to whatever level you deem appropriate.
Interior: this got my attention. My first thought also was that it looks aftermarket, but I checked the Mustang Club of America judging sheets. Indeed for 1989 there is interior code G which is for “Optional Articulated Sport Leather” and code Q which is “Oxford White/Regatta Blue.” Which matches the seller’s notes. So it appears to be correct. I’m sure I’ve never seen one. It looks too nice not to have been re-done, perhaps in a “close to stock” fashion. I know…. too much information….
Good job Jeff.